Ionia Public Schools Superintendent Patricia Batista is declining the offer of the superintendent position from the West Shore Educational Service District.

"I am honored to have been chosen by this excellent intermediate school district, but I have decided to stay in my current position as superintendent of Ionia Public Schools. The offer WSESD extended is generous, but not strong enough to compel me to leave what I have right here in Ionia," said Batista in a statement to all IPS staff.

WSESD board members began searching for a new superintendent in the fall of last year and considered Batista as a finalist following an interview March 14. A second interview took place this week and the board offered her the position.

In her statement, Batista said she feels she desires to stay in Ionia because she wants to support important initiatives in the district, is proud to work with the community, families, students and staff she has been part of for more than 22 years and because she has many family members and friends within the Ionia community.

This year is her ninth as superintendent for the district.

Calls to get in contact with WSESD executive assistant Tracy Lilje were not returned.